Bilbao / Getxo Courses - 2019 Summer Sessions I & II

Studying abroad can be a more meaningful and invigorating learning experience than at home—both inside and outside of the classroom. You may be more curious and alert than you usually are so use this heightened energy to enhance your studies as well as your cultural and geographical explorations. You may also encounter different teaching styles and course processes; be prepared to adapt and to learn.

Courses

You will enroll in three to six credits in Session I and in three to four credits in Session II, plus one additional credit if enrolled in the optional Santiago Field Study. At least one 3-credit course is required each summer session. Course availability is contingent upon student interest and enrollment and is subject to change.

Spanish Language Studies

Summer language courses are intensive, with three to four credits of Spanish taught each session. Class sizes are small, with an average of five students each.

International Business and Cultural Studies

The following courses are designed to familiarize you with the region and provide a multi-disciplinary perspective to your studies and an international aspect to your degree program. Courses are taught in English unless otherwise noted in Spanish.

Field Studies

Deepen your academic experience by turning the optional Santiago Tour into a 1-credit field study by completing additional academic requirements (readings, research, written assignments, reports, etc). Students who enroll in this 1-credit course will keep a journal and answer a series of questions about the sites visited. Upon arrival in Bilbao, the field study course will be completed with follow-up meetings with a professor and the final exam. The written work for the field study may be completed in Spanish or English.

US Professors

Local faculty teach most USAC courses; however, the following US professors are also teaching as Visiting Professors.

Session II:

Ahmed Deif is an assistant professor of supply chain & process management at the Orfalea College of Business at Cal Poly. He brings to USAC an international hands-on teaching experience from more than 5 universities across 5 different continents in addition to his long industrial experience.

Course Descriptions

Advanced Spanish I

Summer Session I (Spanish; 400-level; 3 credits)

Summer Session II (Spanish; 400-level; 3 credits)

The objective of this class is to do a comprehensive revision of the most difficult grammatical points in Spanish. This will be presented through the use of theoretical and practical materials that permit the student to consolidate some of those complex grammatical aspects of the Spanish language that require frequent review and further development. Care will be taken, whenever possible, to focus on understanding and practicing their use in both the written and spoken forms of the language. Prerequisite: six semesters of college Spanish. Taught in Spanish.

Advanced Spanish II

Summer Session I (Spanish; 400-level; 3 credits)

The objective of this class is to do a comprehensive revision of the most difficult grammatical points in Spanish. This will be presented through the use of theoretical and practical materials that permit the student to consolidate some of those complex grammatical aspects of the Spanish language that require frequent review and further development. Care will be taken, whenever possible, to focus on understanding and practicing their use in both the written and spoken forms of the language. Prerequisite: seven semesters of college Spanish. Taught in Spanish.

Elementary Spanish I

Summer Session I (Spanish; 100-level; 4 credits)

Summer Session II (Spanish; 100-level; 4 credits)

Introduction to the language through the development of language skills and through structural analysis. The fundamentals of Spanish grammar (all verb tenses), vocabulary and useful expressions are studied. The goals of these courses are to build reading, writing, listening and, above all, speaking skills.

Elementary Spanish II

Summer Session I (Spanish; 100-level; 4 credits)

Summer Session II (Spanish; 100-level; 4 credits)

Introduction to the language through the development of language skills and through structural analysis. The fundamentals of grammar (all verb tenses), vocabulary, and useful expressions are studied. The objective of these courses is to build reading, writing, listening, and above all, speaking skills. Prerequisite: one semester of college Spanish.

Intermediate Spanish I

Summer Session I (Spanish; 200-level; 3 credits)

This course emphasizes learning the structure of the Spanish language. Classes are divided into three components: grammar/vocabulary, conversation and reading/writing, each of which is related to the themes covered. A review of basic elements, such as the present tense, ser and estar, preterit and imperfect, etc. is included. Prerequisite: two semesters of college Spanish.

Intermediate Spanish II

Summer Session I (Spanish; 200-level; 3 credits)

Summer Session II (Spanish; 200-level; 3 credits)

This class continues the learning of the structure of the Spanish language. Classes are divided into three components: grammar/vocabulary, conversation and reading/writing, each of which is related to the themes covered. This level is specifically orientated towards functional and social communication, oral as well as written. Prerequisite: three semesters of college Spanish.

International Management

This course examines the challenges facing managers who are competing in a global economy. In particular, we will devote our attention to strategic management in a globally competitive environment and the role of culture in motivation, leadership, communication, negotiation, decision making, HRM practices, and the management of a multicultural workforce abroad or at home. We will cover the process of management based on both the macro (organizational) level of environment and strategy and the micro (interpersonal) level of culture and human resources.

International Marketing

A study of all aspects of marketing unique to international business. This course examines the impact of cultures, ethics, history, politics, and the law on marketing practice in the globalized economy. It also provides knowledge of tools for cultural analysis and discusses issues related to culture, the economy, and all other environmental variables that affect global business. A better understanding of cultural diversity is essential for successful international business, and this course provides a comprehensive perspective. Prerequisite: lower level Business core. Taught in English.

Santiago Field Study

Summer Session I (Spanish; 200-level; 1 credit)

Summer Session II (Spanish; 200-level; 1 credit)

The Camino de Santiago is the traditional pilgrimage route from France across northwestern Spain to Santiago de Compostela, the legendary burial site of St. James. One of the great medieval pilgrimages and the greatest surviving itinerary for medieval monuments and landscapes, it has enjoyed a remarkable revival in recent years, attracting European Union sponsorship, the attention of media stars, and hundreds of thousands of walkers and pilgrims.

This field study course is designed to optimize the benefits of the Camino Experience by encouraging reflection and a different perspective to observe the surrounding reality of the pilgrim. The point of departure for the course will be the sites visited and the experiences lived along the way

Spanish Composition I

Summer Session I (Spanish; 300-level; 3 credits)

Summer Session II (Spanish; 300-level; 3 credits)

Classes revolve around compositions, which the student writes almost daily. Part of the class is used to correct the compositions or exercises that the student does outside of class. New advanced grammatical topics are also introduced and exercises reinforcing the use of that element are done in class. Also, part of the class is utilized for selected readings, discussion and vocabulary building. Prerequisite: four semesters of college Spanish. Taught in Spanish.

Spanish Composition II

Summer Session I (Spanish; 300-level; 3 credits)

Summer Session II (Spanish; 300-level; 3 credits)

Classes revolve around compositions which the student writes almost daily. Part of the class is used to correct the compositions or exercises that the student does outside of class. New advanced grammatical topics are also introduced and exercises reinforcing the use of that element are done in class. Also, part of the class is utilized for selected readings, discussion and vocabulary building. Prerequisite: four semesters of college Spanish. Taught in Spanish.

Spanish Conversation and Oral Skills

Summer Session I (300-level; 1 credit)

A course that complements the development of linguistic skills emphasizing the oral mode of the Spanish language. It aims to improve students' ability to maintain a sustained monologue as well as oral interactions.

Spanish Culture and Civilization

Summer Session II (Spanish; 300-level; 1 credit)

In this general civilization course, the customs and lifestyles of the Spanish will be studied, both in their historical perspectives as well as in the present. There is also a general discussion of the most important geographic, historical, social, economic, and artistic aspects of Spain, as well as of the most outstanding individuals in each area. Prerequisite: four semesters of college Spanish.

Surfing

This course is co-produced by USAC and “Quiksilver Surf Eskola”. It is a 1 credit PASS/FAIL course in physical education. The number of meeting sessions will be determined on site considering tides and weather conditions.